Here's a checklist to help keep Halloween safe and fun for your family.

COSTUMES

• Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes. Check the labels.

• Costumes should be highly visible to motorists. Make sure they're bright and have reflective tape on them. Avoid dark costumes.

• A mask can obstruct a child's vision. Facial makeup can be a better option. If your child does wear a mask, cut the eye holes so they are extra large to maximize the field of vision.

• Make sure the costume fits well. If any fabric is in the way of their feet, trim, pin or hem it. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.

• Pointed objects such as swords should be made of soft, flexible material. Don't allow children to use any sharp or rigid objects.

• Trick-or-treaters should wear comfortable shoes.

FOR PARENTS

• Devise a pre-planned, well lit trick-or-treat route for your kids to follow.

• Be sure an adult or responsible teenager accompanies young trick-or-treaters. Make sure everyone knows to stay with the group.

• Talk to your kids about safety guidelines, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.

• Give kids flashlights and add reflective tape to their costumes.

• Tell your kids what to do if they're approached by strangers.

• Make sure your children travel only in familiar areas and stick to the established route.

• Remind them to never enter a stranger's home and approach only those homes and apartments that are well lit.

• Set a time when your children should be home. Give them your cell phone or enough change to use a pay telephone, in case of emergencies.

• Remind your kids to be courteous and say, "Thank you."

ABOUT TREATS

• Have your kids eat dinner before trick-or-treating so they're not tempted to eat candy while collecting it.

• Tell your kids to bring home all the treats for inspection before eating them.

• Throw out anything that appears tampered with, as well as homemade treats and home-packaged treats, unless you are certain of the source.

• Toss any candy with an open or ripped wrapper.

• Take away treats that may not be age-appropriate. Youngsters may choke on hard candy, gum or peanuts.

• INSPECT FRUIT CAREFULLY

• If you discover any dangerous items in the treats, report it immediately to the police, and keep it for evidence.

FOR MOTORISTS

• Watch for children darting between parked cars.

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

• Enter and exit driveways carefully.

• At twilight or later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

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